Big-city sheriff announces 'rocket docket' plan to get low-level offenders out of jail
A Chicago sheriff known for his criticism of the criminal justice system he helps adminster has announced a plan to speed the exit of individuals suspected of low-level offenses from the Cook County jail.
At a Tuesday news conference, Sheriff Tom Dart said he and his staff will start creating a list each week of five to 10 inmates who do not need to be jailed. They will then meet with prosecutors and public defenders to try to expedite resolution of those cases, reports the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye. As an example, Dart cited the case of a man who spent 114 days behind bars, at a cost to local government of $143 daily, because he had allegedly stolen packs of Snickers candy bars.
Dart also said he will propose state legislation to implement a “rocket docket” for criminal trespass and retail theft cases. If they were not resolved within 30 days, the bill would authorize the sheriff to release imates either on a recognizance bond or with electronic monitoring.
“Society says, ‘We’ll just stick them in there for now,’” Dart told reporters. “Why are they here? Why are they here this long? … It’s indicative of a system that’s not set up to care.”
